How do international students apply for scholarships at the University of Minnesota?

I'm an international student interested in attending the University of Minnesota, and I'm trying to understand what scholarship opportunities are available for international students there. Are there specific requirements or deadlines I should be aware of?

The University of Minnesota offers several scholarship opportunities dedicated to international students.

Firstly, The Global Excellence Scholarship (GES) is one significant scholarship program for international students at the University of Minnesota. It is awarded to first-year and transfer degree-seeking students based on academic merit. The awards range from $10,000 to $15,000 per year, renewable for up to four years.

Another scholarship is the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Need-Based Scholarship. It is awarded to international students demonstrating financial need. Usually, students already studying at the University of Minnesota with F-1 visas are eligible. Be sure to check with official channels for more information.

To apply, typically you do not need a separate scholarship application for either of the scholarships listed above. Applicants are considered automatically for the Global Excellence Scholarship through their admission application. However, for the ISSS Need-Based Scholarship, students usually apply for it separately after the first semester.

It's essential that you submit your application by the school's priority deadline for the best chance of receiving a scholarship. The university's priority deadline usually falls in November, but exact dates may change.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to also explore outside scholarships, as they can supplement institutional aid. For example, organizations like EducationUSA and Appily have databases where you could potentially find scholarships intended for international students studying in the U.S.

Remember, each scholarship will have different eligibility criteria and deadlines. Consult the university's website or reach out to their financial aid office for the most accurate and specific information.